Degradation Of Natural Fibers Research Articles

The improved resistance against the degradation of sisal fibers under the environment of cement hydration by surface coating of graphene oxide (GO) based membranes

Natural fibers with low cost and sustainability can improve the cracking resistance of cement composites. However, the degradation of natural fibers in cement composites is the prime concern for their practical application. In this research, graphene oxide (GO) based membranes with selective permeability were coated on the surface of sisal fibers via a simple dip-coating method to improve their corrosion resistance. The uniformity and morphology of the GO-based membranes on the surface of sisal fibers were first characterized. Then, the effects of GO-based membranes on the degradation behavior (alkaline hydrolysis and mineralization) of sisal fibers were systematically investigated macroscopically and microscopically using both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results showed that GO-based membranes can act as the protective layer of sisal fibers thus mitigating the degradation process. This research would provide a novel way to extend the long-term service life of natural fibers in cement composites.

The effect of a zirconium dioxide sol-gel treatment on the durability of flax reinforcements in cementitious composites

The degradation of natural fibers in cementitious matrices due to alkali hydrolysis and mineralization is a main concern in the development of sustainable cementitious composites. This work aims to (1) study the degradation phenomena of flax fibers subjected to 90 days aging in cement paste and (2) investigate the effect of a zirconium dioxide coating on the durability of flax fibers in cement paste. The degradation of flax fibers was evaluated by measuring the variations in their mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed to assess the degree of degradation in each condition (untreated, pre-treated, and ZrO2-treated fibers). Scanning electron microscopy and EDS analyses were carried out on the specimens which were subjected to 90 days aging in cement paste. Results show that ZrO2-treated flax fibers encountered less degradation compared to untreated and pre-treated flax fibers.

Degradation of Natural Fiber in Cement Composites Containing Diatomaceous Earth

AbstractThis paper reports the results of an investigation carried out to understand the influence of two different diatomaceous earths on the service life of natural fibers in cement composites. D...

Degradation of natural fiber in ternary blended cement composites containing metakaolin and montmorillonite

The influence of a coupled substitution of metakaolin and montmorillonite in Portland cement on degradation of natural fiber was investigated. In addition to durability of fiber-cement composites, degradation of the embedded natural fiber was directly investigated by means of tensile properties, crystallinity, chemical components and microstructure. The results indicate that the combination of these clay minerals validates their synergic effect on mitigating fiber’s deterioration by modifying hydration products and reducing alkalinity of pore solutions in cement. Correlations between cement hydration and fiber degradation demonstrate that both mineralization and alkali hydrolysis of natural fiber can be substantially mitigated through this method.

Correlation between hydration of cement and durability of natural fiber-reinforced cement composites

The influence of cement hydration on the durability of natural fiber-reinforced cementcomposites and the deterioration of the embedded natural fibers were investigated by incorporating four supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Cement hydration was presented to be a crucial factor in understanding natural fiber degradation behavior. The results indicated that the incorporation of SCMs slowed down both mineralization and alkaline hydrolysis of fiber cell walls by promoting the hydration of cement. This is attributed to the reduced alkalinity of pore solution and calcium hydroxide content. Degradation of natural fiber was significantly mitigated and the durability of cement composites was improved consequently.

A review on the use of fibers in reinforced cementitious concrete

Various fibers have been used to reinforce concrete to enhance properties of cement. This review critically analyses the use of different natural and synthetic fibers, the treatments done on some of them to be used in concrete, their strength and weaknesses to be used for such applications. In natural fibers, bamboo coir and jute which have been extensively used have been discussed. Also, the effect of alkali present in cement mixture on the degradation of natural fibers has been detailed. Critical observations such as change in crack pattern, effect of nature of fibers, and the environment in which they are reinforced have been discussed. Effect of use of different sealing materials for the hydrophobic fibers on the ultimate property of the reinforced concrete has been reviewed for various fibers. A comprehensive review of the synthetic fibers predominantly used in such reinforcements—PP, PE, and nylon—has been given along with a critical comparative study of recent developments in the field. The fiber–matrix interface studies have been discussed and further research areas have been suggested.